Adolescent Nutrition

Introduction

Formation of healthy eating patterns during adolescence is vital for growth, development, and reducing weight-related problems. While adolescents have increased nutritional needs for growth and development, the highest prevalence of nutritional deficiencies occurs during adolescence.

An obese adolescent has a 90% risk of remaining obese as an adult, and the rate of adolescent obesity has risen from 5% in 1980 to 18% in 2010.

It is important for the pediatrician to be familiar with normal daily requirements in order to address any deficiencies or excess. A diet and nutritional history is necessary while assessing adolescents at each of their checkups.

Furthermore, the following advice is important not just for the adolescent but for the entire family. Having meal preparation & eating routines, together, without television and seated at a table promotes not only better nutritional outcomes but improves family bonding and communication as well.

Evaluation of adolescent nutrition should include:

Evaluating growth and weight gain. Make note of any weight loss, excessive weight gain, or failure to grow.

Amount of physical activity; Recommend ≥ 60 minutes/day

Quantity, quality, and number of meals/snacks per day

More: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium, low-fat dairy

Less: Sweetened beverages, fast food

Identify risks for nutritional deficiencies:

Eating disorders

Chronic medical conditions

Use of alcohol or drugs

Strict vegan diet

Low socio-economic status

Daily caloric requirements for adolescents

Daily Caloric Requirements:
9–18 year olds

Female

Male

Sedentary

1400-1800

1600-2400

Moderately Active

1600-2000

1800-2800

Active

1800-2400

2000-3200

Vitamins

Most commonly adolescents are deficient in vitamins A, B6, E, D, C, and folic acid. Usually, adolescents who are eating normal daily requirements of nutrients are not deficient in vitamins. Vitamin supplements may be added to meet requirements.

Vitamin D:

​15mcg/day or 600 IU/day. Found in fortified milk and cereal, egg yolks. Prevalence of deficiency is 14%; 20 times higher in non-Hispanic, black adolescents, twice as high in females and inversely related to weight

Meal compostion

The USDA replaced the previous "food pyramid" paradigm and instead now advocates use of ChooseMyPlate - a more illustrative example of the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image - a place setting.

Click on the link below to go to ChooseMyPlate.gov for resources such as recipies, trackers, resources for low budget eating, and daily food plans

Fruits/Vegetables:

Fewer than 2% of adolescents consume enough fruits and vegetables. Should total 3-6.5 cups per day. Should make up HALF OF EACH PLATE (see diagram above).

“Performance enhancing” supplements:

Creatine

Combination of glycine, arginine and methionine that facilitates production of adenosine triphosphate and increases free energy for muscle contractions. Not well studied in adolescents but in adults, creatine does not improve long duration aerobic performance.

Tables

References

National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2011: With Special Features on Socioeconomic Status and Health. Hyattsville, MD; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2012.

Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of obesity and trends in body mass index among US children and adolescents, 1999-2010. Journal of the American Medical Association2012;307(5):483-490.